Fire Safety

This page will be updated as needed with current fire safety information for the monument.

 

Extreme Fire Danger

Notice of Fire Restriction Order
Effective Date: July 3, 2025 at 12:01 a.m. until further notice

1. Smoking is prohibited except within an enclosed vehicle.

2. Charcoal fires are permitted only in the provided grills in the campground and picnic areas. No wood fires.

3. Gas stoves are permitted only in campground and picnic areas.

4. All fireworks are prohibited in the park.

The purpose of these restrictions is for the safety of park visitors and the protection of the natural and cultural resources.

Pursuant to regulations of the Department of Interior, 36 Code of Federal Regulations, and Colorado National Monument Superintendent’s Compendium under sections 1.5 Closure and public use limits, 2.13 Fires, 2.21 Smoking, and 2.38 Explosives, Visitors are reminded the following acts are prohibited on the area, roads, and trails described below in Colorado National Monument.

1. Wood fires are prohibited in all areas of the monument. Charcoal fires are only permitted in the grills provided in the Saddlehorn Complex and at the Devils Kitchen Picnic Area. Properly shielded gas or liquid-fueled portable camp stoves are allowed. Self-contained gas fireplaces are allowed if they are contained in a portable fire pan.
2. Smoking is prohibited, except within a personally-owned enclosed vehicle.
3. Discharging, or using any kind of fireworks or other pyrotechnic devices are always prohibited on all federal public land, including Colorado National Monument.

Area Description:

• All lands within the boundaries of Colorado National Monument.

The use of fire by visitors in the monument is regulated to protect monument resources and visitors. The intent of Stage 1 Fire Restrictions is to reduce the number of human-caused fires during periods of very high fire danger, by decreasing potential sources of ignition.

Colorado National Monument along with surrounding areas are experiencing critical fire conditions including extremely dry fuels, above normal temperatures, low humidity, minimal precipitation, and competition for firefighting resources, as many fires ignite across the west.

When necessary, National Park Service rangers will issue citations to persons violating the terms of this closure under authority of Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations 1.5(f) - punishable by up to $5,000 in fines and/or up to 6 months in jail.

Stay up to date on Mesa County fire restrictions online or call [phone]. You can also view maps and detailed interagency Colorado fire restrictions.

 

An intentional pile burn from 1998 helped to remove nearby dry fuels, closely watched by the fire crew.

NPS Photo